Question about different rim sizes

[Kimber6331]

Im not sure if I'm beating a dead horse here, but I plan on buying a new set of tires for lift, and I was wondering if I bought a bigger size rim, let's say for 32' tires, would that give me more clearance room underneath? I was hoping I could find a pair of 32's to fit the rims I have now (not sure the size but my tires are p235/75R15) however if I gained more clearance room, then new rims would be my choice. I'm basing this hypothesis on the basic idea that rims are basically linear with axels, bigger rims=more distance from tire/ground. Also, If anybody has an idea of the cheapest rim size to 32'' tire size that would help me too. ...If you cant tell, Im still learning:o

[prerunner1982]

Bigger wheels will not increase your clearance, bigger tires will.

A general rule is that the wheel width and the tire width be within 4" of each other. If you wheels are 15x8 and you get 32x10.5x15 tires you are fine, you could even run 32x11.50x15 tires on those wheels. However, the wider the tire the more likely you are to have issues with the tires rubbing your control arms, especially if you are using stock wheels. If you run stock wheels and wide tires you will want spacers, if you want new wheels you can get wheels with the proper back spacing to keep the tires from rubbing.

[Kimber6331]

I didn't think so. Yea im pretty sure my rims are 15x7 r 15x8, theyre stock size but not stock. I think kragars or something. I was definitly looking to get 32's but there are so many different variations of the model I liked I got confused for a second. Thanks, I'm getting tired of black rims anyway, Im thinking of getting new silver ones. If i wanted to get 32's, which size would be better? the 32x10.50 or the 32x11.50? if I got the latter, which size rim do you think would be best?

[4.3LXJ]

Michael, my rule of thumb has been to get a rim that is equal to the width of the tread. Simple rule if you have a tire to look at. There are some that will say that you can run a narrower rim if you want. That can be done. But the tire itself will perform better on pavement which constitutes most of our use unless you have a trailer queen. If you do run a narrower rim, I wouldn't exceed 2" narrower than the tread. Also, tire manufacturers have rim width recommendations for their tires that you can probably look up on line.

[prerunner1982]

Michael don't confuse the tread width with the 11.50 on the tire size. On a 32x11.50x15 tire the tread width is approx 8.5" so an 8" wide wheel would be perfect. BFG recommends a wheel width of 8"-10".

[XJ4IV]

just ANOTHER heads up there are a few jeep OEM rims that are a 15x8 the canyons were a personal fave of mine, also the ravines and the moabs aka the rubicon wheels from the later TJ's be careful when you lookiing into canyons there were two styles that looke very close to identical but one is 7 inches wide and the other is 8 inches wide
here they are
8" canyons
http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h177/94ranger355/355%2094%20Ranger/15X8JeepWheels.jpg
and these are the 7' ones
http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_images/2/3783/1561/21955780001_large.jpg
they are very similar but the spoke shapes is different and also the wheel backing is the same color on the 8's
here are the other good ones, the ravines
http://colorado4wheel.com/images/jeepwheels/TJ/ravine.jpg
and here are the moabs... which were a 17" wheel however
http://www.autotrucktoys.com/jeep/images/jeep-moab-wheel500.jpg
another older style that most folks dont like that much but then some LOVE em were called the gamblers, here are those:
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRH4VmPFz6D-T21YJgo4n1UQKL_14Ip-rWVNhA0QpprgF-fR5-m4rvv-N02FA
das all I got!

[Kimber6331]

Ohh ok. Mine is my DD so thats a good rule of thumb to follow, thanks. And I always thought the 11.50 was the width. Shows how much I have to learn! Thanks again guys.

[prerunner1982]

Ohh ok. Mine is my DD so thats a good rule of thumb to follow, thanks. And I always thought the 11.50 was the width. Shows how much I have to learn! Thanks again guys.

11.50 is the width, however it is the total width from side wall to side wall.

http://www.rbracing-rsr.com/turbo/tire_dimensions.jpg

[Kimber6331]

Right sorry I meant tread width. that diagram helps clear the smoke though! awesome thanks again.

[Kimber6331]

So I am looking at getting BFG's A/T KO's 32x11.50xR15s. I have 15x8 cragar soft 8's right now. I know those would be fine, but considering control arm rubbing or back spacing, would it be a smoother ride/ more clearance if I get 15x10 size rims?

[4.3LXJ]

You would gain 1" in "offset" with the 10" rims. Floatation would be better too

[Mudderoy]

I like my 15x10 wheels, and I also like that it allows for a wider stance.

[bigbuk29]

You would gain 1" in "offset" with the 10" rims. Floatation would be better too


I like my 15x10 wheels, and I also like that it allows for a wider stance.

Not for the sake of argument, I like to run an 8" rim with 33x12's and a 7" with 32x11's or down. It might just be in my head but I think I get a little more bead protection when I air down. and Being in the northeast like me, the extra flotation would be bad in the winter time

[4.3LXJ]

Yes, you can get more bead protection. There are trade offs. For instance the tire is more stable in the corners with the wider rims

[bigjim350]

You wont rub the control arms with the 15x8's on those tires. I didnt with those same rims and 33x12.50's

[Kimber6331]

I'm leaning towardS 15x10. To be honest I probably won't be doing anything serious enough to where I would need to deflate tires that much. Besides, I'm tired of black rims, I'm think polished will be nice to look at for a while.